|
|
Stourbridge Union Workhouse
The Kingswinford Parish Workhouse was erected possibly as Almshouses circa 1767 on Stream Road, Kingswinford. The Stourbridge Poor Law Union was declared 19th September 1836 and the Parish Workhouse was enlarged to accommodate the increased numbers, from designs by Mr. Griffiths, architect. The Stourbridge Union comprised Cakemore, Cradley, Halesowen, Hasbury, Hawn Hill, Lapal, Lutley, Lye, Stourbridge, Upper Swinford, Wollaston, Wollescote, Amblecote, Brierley Hill, Quarry Bank and Kingswinford. By 1861 the Stourbridge Union comprised an area of 16,200 acres and a population of 68,726.
Many further additions were made and by 1896 the workhouse was certified to accommodate 520 inmates in the charge of Mr. William and Mrs Eleanor Davidson, Master and Matron.
The turn of the century brought increased need, which the ageing buildings could not accommodate hence between 1903 and 1907 the new Stourbridge Union Workhouse was erected. Built from designs by Arthur Marshall, architect and costing approx £100,000 it was certified to accommodate 725 inmates.
The Board of Guardians met alternate Fridays at the Workhouse 10am to discuss any matters required. During 1921 the Chairman of the Guardians was H.J. Cox (Justice of the Peace) from Cradley and the Clerk to the Guardians was George Francis James.
Children were taken to the Stourbridge Union Cottage Homes located in Norton, Stourbridge. William Newnam being Superintendant in 1921.
The term "Workhouse" officially came to an end in 1930, but the building remained as the Stourbridge Public Assistance Institution later developing into Wordsley Hospital.
The buildings were utilised as a Military Hospital during the war, when temporary wards were erected.
The Hospital continues, although is presently under threat of closure.
 |
Main entrance block of Stourbridge Union Workhouse
Ref: 1170030
© Rossbret 2004 |
Link to Rossbret Photographs of Stourbridge Union Workhouse
Link to Richard Griffiths' site, including searchable 1861 census for Stourbridge Union Workhouse.
http://griffs.treehouse.tripod.com/
Copyright © Rossbret . All rights reserved.
Page updated September 04, 2004
|
Stourbridge